There are many different types of pests and diseases that plants are susceptible to, and an indoor garden can fall prey to the same types of pests and diseases that outdoor gardens are. Paradoxically, the conditions in nature that may seem harsh to plants actually protect them from different insects. When growing an indoor garden, people typically grow herbs, flowers, and edible vegetation- such as tomatoes and peppers. These are all great plants to grow, and keeping them healthy and thriving is any grower's top priority.
The most common indoor gardening pests are aphids, caterpillars, earwigs, fungus gnats, and mealybugs- just to name a few. There are also spider mites, thrips, whiteflies, and some types of beatles that like to eat leaves and lay their larvae on plants roots. The most important step towards keeping your indoor garden pest and disease free is by thinking "prevention." Prevention is the best way to ward off those unwelcome and destructive creatures from weakening and killing your plants.
First, regularly clear away all debris and plant matter. Dead and decaying plant matter is excellent breeding ground for all sorts of pests to set up shop around your plants. Second, make sure you're keeping a close eye on any of your plants that you may think is infected. Remove them immediately. Third, keep your plants healthy by giving them adequate amounts of nutrition, sunlight, and clean air. This will help your plants combat diseases and pests as well. There are also many pest control sprays you can use that have low photo toxicity and discourage the growth of insects. SM-90 is a product that is available at the local hydroponics store. A root disease inhibitor, it is made from natural plant oils, and is bio-degradable. It's a great way to discourage those bugs from getting into your grow tent garden plants.
If you find that your garden has already been infected, and simply blasting the plants with water isn't doing much from keeping those aphids away, you may decide to use stronger measures. There are many natural products available. You can use insecticide soaps, Neem Oil, or herbal pesticides. These are products that are derived from natural ingredients, and do little damage to your plants or to the environment.
After taking preventive measures, using all-natural products, and doing everything right, in rare instances you may find that you have a raging pesticide problem. If this is the case, you can find a lot of chemical products that will do the job.
